Thinking critically and exploring the world outside the classroom through in-depth expeditions fosters love of learning and deeper understanding.
Using guiding questions, students work together on expeditions and with experts to find information and answers, rather than just memorizing facts. Student discoveries build educational experience and desire to learn more.
SELS students share responsibility for helping each other learn. “We are Crew, Not Passengers.” Environmental and local projects that serve the community build pride and show students the relevance and importance of their studies and work in everyday life.
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Hi all, Four weeks in and going smoothly. Many thanks for all the helpers with driving, camping, library, classrooms, and other volunteer duties - much appreciated. Crews are off to exciting starts on their expeditions (read about these on the individual crew pages). There have been numerous overnight excusions and lots of adventurous learning. School information: - The board has set up committees to help address school issues; any who are interested are welcome to attend and provide ideas/feedback. Lottery Committee: Thurs, Sept 29, at 9:30 am - we will discuss, craft lottery policy for future years. Diversity Committee: Fri, Sept 30, at 9:45 am - we will formulate a plan to address school diversity over the coming years. - Thanks to Meausre A funds, we will have a school counselor on site 2 days/week for 2 hours/day. Alaina Reichwald will be starting the first week of October and will be helping maintain a safe, creative, and energetic school community. Please contact me with any questions. - The SELS Board of Directors is taking applications for a new Board member. You may pick up an packet from me. Applications are due by Friday, Oct 7. - Wed, Oct 14, is a MINIMUM DAY - all elementary students released at 1 pm (no Kinder Care program); 6th graders released at 11:45 am. - Oct 24-Oct 28 is MINIMUM WEEK - same release times as above. We will be having parent/student-teacher conferences in the afternoons; more information to come later. - If you have any outstanding forms to hand in, please do so as soon as possible. This forms might include: handbook, enrollment info (birth certificate, medical, proof of residence), media permission, family donation. If you need new forms or have questions, please contact me. - We are restarting our yard duty program in order to provide more areas for students to play during lunch recess. If interested/available, please sign up on the website calendar or just come in and help out, either from 11:20-12 (4th-6th) or 12:10-12:45 (K-3rd). - All volunteers please sign in on the sheet sitting on the library table just inside the door. This helps us know who is on campus (in case of emergency) and tracks our volunteerism, which is good for grants and scholarships. - Coffee House every Friday morning from 8:45-9:15 - free coffee and snack. Please come by and chat with other parents and me, and then stick around for our regular Community Meeting from 9:15-9:45. - Remember to sign your student in/out on the clipboard just inside the office door (the door leading directly into the office, not the library). If you arrive late, you must also sign your student in. If you have questions/ideas/concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. David |
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Our mission is to inspire a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence while developing a strong sense of character and community. Our goal is to preserve each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. Read more >
We are an Expeditionary Learning School. EL strives to foster academic achievement and character growth while instilling a love of learning and a sense of community. Read more >
SELS
11603 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161
Portable buildings M3-M7
Email: truckeecharter@gmail.com
Phone: (530) 448-8115
Fax: (530) 448-8223
Find us on a map
On top of all the teaching and learning, I'm struck by the joy in the faces of all the children as they go about their quest for knowledge. Thanks to all the courageous and energetic people who had the vision to make this school a reality. With all the challenges the world faces today and predictions of disaster, these committed teachers/staff, these engaged families, and these beautiful children are a beacon of hope.
SELS embodies everything that I feel is important in my child's education and I am so grateful that she has the opportunity to learn in such an enriching environment. Teaching our children how to think and how to treat others is critical to their future success. I am thankful every single day for all the wonderful staff at SELS.
What an amazing place. It has been everything for my son that I had hoped he could experience in school. Great teacher, stimulating learning environment, and a deeply caring and nurturing place.
I am grateful that my child is encouraged to interpret concepts and think about how they apply to his life, not just memorize and repeat material. I love that SELS asks kids to think about who they are and how they contribute to the community, locally and globally.
I greatly appreciate that SELS is a heart-centered school that teaches ethics and values along with academics. That approach makes SELS a unique and special place.
I appreciate all the teachers and staff and their responsiveness. I also appreciate all the work the staff are doing to help the kids figure out how to fill each other's buckets!
Our son is bubbling over with excitement for learning. This environment is gifting him with life long skills to succeed. We are so thankful for this school.
All the Adults and students challenge each other the THINK!
SELS is amazing in the way they teach topics hands on and allow the children to learn in practical settings. We couldn't be happier seeing our son flourish so much! Thank you.
I am very grateful to the SELS staff for offering my 5th grader their hearts, as well as their knowledge. Better yet, they make learning fun and adventurous! My youngster is THRIVING at your wonderful school!!
We are thankful for many wonderful ideals and principles at SELS, but what really brings those into reality is the caring, hard-working teachers and staff. We wouldn't have thought that someone else would care as much about the whole education of our daughter as much as we do, but there is a whole team of such people at SELS.
I am so thankful that my 5th grade daughter is a member and student of this beautiful community and school. She is receiving a fantastic education with hands on learning, caring, understanding, creative, out of the box thinking and intuitive teachers. She feels included, important, confident and is growing tons in her knowledge and place in this wonderful community. Thank you SELS for being an amazing part of my daughter's education and Life!
I truly appreciate all the staff, students, parents and families at SELS. It is these people that make SELS so wonderful.
This has become a new 'family" for us!
I am so grateful for the amazing staff; they are the most amazing guides. It is an inspiration to watch them help our children learn and grow into thoughtful, independent, productive human beings!
